25th Anniversary Celebration

Gateway Transit Village106 Somerset Street, 7th floor, New Brunswick

Two former governors, several former cabinet and administration officials, and almost 200 representatives of the development, environmental, transportation, housing and community development communities were on hand Sunday evening to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the smart-growth policy organization New Jersey Future. All three former executive directors of the organization were also in attendance.

Mr. Heldrich is well-recognized for embodying his company’s enduring support of the city of New Brunswick. He always believed that New Jersey could be strengthened by a mutual commitment between employers and cities. Today, New Brunswick has a vibrant and rapidly growing downtown, with robust new development that links transit, employment and education. Mr. Heldrich also founded the community organization New Brunswick Tomorrow and chairs what is now the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.

Ms. Houstoun has amassed a distinguished record of turning smart-growth ideals into practical implementation strategies. Under Gov. Tom Kean she brought to life the State Planning Commission, the Council on Affordable Housing and the Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. In her most recent career as a foundation executive she has funded and guided initiatives in smart growth and waterfront development and, committed to the belief that citizen involvement creates better communities, has championed the use of digital engagement tools for city planning.

Seeing that New Jersey needed to find new ways to protect threatened environmental areas and natural resources and rapidly disappearing farmland, Mr. Moore pioneered strategies for directing development to where appropriate infrastructure is available instead of on virgin lands. Through the Conservation Foundation, he engaged philanthropists across the state to assist with acquisition of land for preservation, and enlisted the support of countless citizens to work for conservation initiatives and to advocate for conservation-focused policies and programs.

Through his research, teaching and civic engagement, Dr. Price has illuminated the vital role that arts, culture, history and diversity play in shaping communities, especially cities. He has demonstrated that these elements cannot be treated as luxuries or afterthoughts, but instead form the very foundation of vibrant communities. Price has served mayors, governors and presidents, using his knowledge of history and local wisdom to enable citizens of all backgrounds to understand the past so that they can address contemporary community needs and plan for a brighter future.

Mr. Sheridan faced the same challenge many large institutions in need of expansion face – how to build in such a way that the surrounding neighborhood is enhanced, not harmed. By taking the approach that Cooper and Camden would both thrive if buildings were designed to welcome people at the street level and existing housing stock in the area were revitalized, Sheridan was able to turn Cooper Hospital’s expansion into the renaissance of an entire neighborhood.

“It is an honor to help guide this organization at a time when we can look back over the last 25 years and be rightly proud of all its achievements,” said Peter Reinhart, director of the Kislak Real Estate Institute at Monmouth University and chairman of New Jersey Future’s Board of Trustees. “We have built a strong foundation, and we look forward to even greater success over the next 25 years.”

New Jersey Future Executive Director Peter Kasabach detailed some of the issues on which the organization is currently focused. “The draft State Strategic Plan, the challenge of rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and longer-term issues such as how to revitalize our transit-rich urban areas, are all opportunities where our organization and our many partners are focused. We look forward to continuing our work toward the goal of a state where housing and transportation choices are plentiful and affordable; where open space, farmland and critical natural resources are appropriately safeguarded, and where all New Jerseyans have the opportunity to live and work in truly great places.

The event also featured artwork lent from Colleen Attara Studios, all of which was made using reclaimed plastic signage.

Custom awards were designed by Glassroots, a nurturing environment in Newark in which otherwise underserved children can achieve self-esteem and creative expression while also learning basic business skills and valuable life lessons through the exploration of the unique art forms of glassmaking.

Proceeds from a wine grab at the event generated $850 for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund at the Community Foundation of New Jersey.

Guests were able to enjoy spectacular views of New Brunswick at sunset, thanks to a partnership with New Brunswick Parking Authority and New Brunswick Development Corporation. The new Gateway Transit Village, atop the New Brunswick train station, provided a unique event space, epitomizing New Jersey Future’s commitment to transit oriented redevelopment.

New Jersey Future's current and former executive directors: l to r, George Hawkins; Barbara Lawrence; current Executive Director Peter Kasabach; and Christy Van Horn

New Jersey Future trustee Andy Davis; Amy Davis; City National Bank President and CEO Preston Pinkett; former New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Caren Franzini; and New Jersey Future trustee Bill Best of event sponsor PNC Bank.